GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- One-third of Americans are losing sleep over the state of the economy and personal financial worries.

That's the word from the Sleep in America Poll Taskforce, which reports the number of people with sleep problems has increased 13 percent since 2001.

That's no surprise to local pharmacists and sleep specialists, who say the demand for both over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids is on the rise.

"Prescriptions seem to have been going up the last four to six months ... and we're getting quite a few customers asking for advice even though obviously we can't suggest any prescription drugs," said pharmacist Ray Dorhout of Cherry Street Pharmacy in Flushing.

"I don't think that comes as a shock to anyone. If your 401k just tanked, it's pretty safe to say you're going to be a little upset by that."

Jim Cheek | The Flint JournalSleep technologist Roxanne Paquette of Forest Township tests and explains a breathing apparatus Bret Hiller will be wearing for a for a night of treatment for the Grand Blanc man.

At least 10 percent to 12 percent of the population suffer from some form of chronic insomnia but don't seek medical attention, said Dr. George Zureikat, medical director of the Mid-Michigan Sleep Center in Grand Blanc.

"For some reason people don't feel a need to bring it up to their doctor. Even some who recognize they have serious sleep problems are very hesitant to talk about it," said Janice Ashley, manager of the McLaren Sleep Diagnostic Center in Flint.

"Inadequate sleep can impact your health and safety. We really need to educate primary care physicians to make that question part of the annual physical."

People are self-medicating with all kinds of inappropriate substances, they said, including alcohol, pain killers and anxiety drugs such as Valium.

They don't work because they inhibit the body's ability to enter rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the crucial sleep phase in which dreams occur.

"What happens is you will fall asleep early but REM sleep is pushed to the last third of the night when the substance is wearing off. Then you wake up with multiple nightmares and have a lousy sleep," said Zureikat.

Many over-the-counter sleep aids contain diphenhydramine, more commonly known as Benedryl.

"The problem is things like Benedryl cause drowsiness as a side effect, but it also causes issues such as bladder retention, increased heart rate and dry mouth," said Zureikat.

Good sleep hygiene is the best cure for anxiety-related sleep disorders.

"The most harmful thing to do is to take (anxiety) to your bed with you and wake up with it. You'll end up in a vicious cycle where you wake up worrying and your adrenaline is up," said Zureikat. "You can't help but worry but worry at a different time of day."

Flint Journal extrasSleep tips

• Set a regular bedtime.

• Avoid caffeine in the afternoon.

• Exercise regularly but not in the evening.

• Don't eat heavily close to bedtime.

• Avoid alcohol near bedtime.

• Use the bedroom only for sleep and sex.

• If you can't fall asleep, get back up until you're sleepy.

• Practice yoga and other relaxation techniques.

• Listen to soothing music.

Source: Mid-Michigan Sleep Center and McLaren Sleep Diagnostic Center

"Don't have a TV or computer in the bedroom, or do work in bed," said Ashley. "You can't turn out the light and sleep in the same place you've just fretted over writing all your bills."

Don't try to force sleep.

"Tossing and turning for two hours doesn't do you any favors. In that case the best thing is to go to bed only when you get sleepy," said Zureikat. "Don't lay there and watch the clock. Turn it around. If you've been in bed more than 10 minutes, get up and do something boring until you feel sleepy again."

Tried everything and still find yourself exhausted all day? It may be time to visit a specialist to see if you suffer from one of more than 70 known sleep disorders. Nearly all are treatable.

"The risk is you may be taking something to help you sleep and all you're doing is masking the fact you have something serious going on," said Ashley.

Just ask Mark Harper of Gaines Township or Terri and James VanderLaan of Linden, whose heavy snoring turned out to be a symptom of sleep apnea.

"I was exhausted all the time. When I got out of bed I felt like I never went to sleep. I'd be at a traffic light and my head would nod," said Harper. "They found out my breathing stopped 286 times in one night."

"My husband was already being treated. I only went on a dare to prove to my kids I don't snore," said Terri VanderLaan. "Then right before I went for the sleep study I got a ticket falling asleep driving to work."

All use a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine to keep their airways open.

"When we first got it the kids were always trying to take pictures. They called it our snore borglers," said VanderLaan, laughing. "The new equipment is so much better now. It's quieter, not so tight on your head and nose and the strips are thinner and lighter. It doesn't give you bed head like the old ones did."

"It changed my life completely. I'm more alert, my thought processes are clear. I dream now. I never had dreams before," said Harper. "You feel alive and your energy level goes through the roof. My wife says now I never sit down."

Jim Cheek | The Flint JournalSleep technologist Roxanne Paquette of Forest Township leaves the room as Bret Hiller of Grand Blanc prepares for sleep, which begins his night of treatment.